Favorite Teams

Hank Brown, who turns 65 in July, bought his 2.02-acre property in Damascus as a retirement investment. He is the first applicant to de-annex under House Bill 4029 because nearly 10 years after incorporation, Damascus doesn't have a comprehensive plan and Brown is in development limbo. On Saturday morning, he got his wish.
(MOLLY HARBARGER/The Oregonian)

A Marion County judge on Friday turned down the city of Damascus’ request to block secessionists from leaving the city. The judge denied the city’s arguments that the de-annexations would create an administrative nightmare for officials. The judge also said the city likely would not be able to prove that a law allowing secessions from Damascus was unconstitutional.

Hank Brown, who is the first to leave the city: "A win for the people! It's nice to know that rational minds prevailed and that justice is served. It's a shame the city had to go to this extent and continue to waste taxpayer funds. We will continue to support our fellow citizens."

View full sizeThis black bear wandered into Tualatin a couple of years ago. Sandy-area residents say bears lately have been showing up just outside of the city.Benjamin Brink/The Oregonian

Meanwhile, some Sandy-area residents have been visited by bears this spring. State fish and wildlife officials say the ursine hibernators are hungry after waking up from a long winter’s nap.

Leading the way is the Oregon Education Association, which has contributed $99,681, mostly in the form of in-kind donations for radio and TV ads, printing and mailing brochures, campaign research and canvassing assistance.

The district was on track to begin construction on the improvements this summer, but ballooning costs forced the board to rebid the project and irked some members of the community who felt the district should direct the funds to more pressing projects.

Service was disconnected more than 12 hours, and officials said service was "reportedly restored around 5:20 a.m."

View full sizeTualatin Valley Fire & Rescue is asking voters to replace a local option levy to help fund the agency's operating budget and meet growing service demands in Washington, Clackamas and parts of Multnomah counties past 2014.Kari Bray/The Oregonian

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue is asking West Linn and Wilsonville voters to replace a local option levy to help fund the agency's operating budget and meet growing service demands in Washington, Clackamas and parts of Multnomah counties past 2014.

Water Environment Services provides wastewater collection and treatment and biosolids reuse for seven cities and several unincorporated areas in Clackamas County. They also coordinate Stormwater Management, On-Site Sewage Disposal, and Water Quality and Stream Enhancement projects.